Dishin’ up Italian favorites

Gino’s Restaurant of Hancock saves diners money every Sunday

January 7, 2009

HANCOCK - Let's face it. Copper Country residents are feeling the pinch of this tightened economy. Area residents are now more than ever looking for ways to save money. In response, many businesses have found creative ways to bring in the business despite these hard times.

Gino's Italian Restaurant of Hancock is the newest to jump on this money-saving bandwagon. Every Sunday, diners can enjoy all the best Gino's has to offer at a savings of 20 percent off every guest check.

"Eating out at restaurants is one thing that people seem to cut back on when times get tough," says "Shakey" Tom Neher, long-time owner and head cook at Gino's.

Article Photos

Top right shows Gino’s Italian Restaurant of Hancock, situated on the corner where Hancock Street meets M-203. Above, diners can enjoy a cozy atmosphere near a crackling fireplace.

"But they still like to eat out, so if they can do it at a savings, it makes it easier to afford," he added.

With the exception of alcoholic beverages and take out orders, Gino's is offering the 20 percent savings on all menu items. "We started the promotion in December and it really took off," Neher said. "So we are happy to continue it every Sunday in January as well."

In addition to the 20 percent discount being extended into January, Gino's will continue to offer large "family size" portions of their hand-made raviolis and famous Gino's spaghetti sauce to go. They offer a large Ravioli Deal for $43.75, which includes 35 meat ravioli with sauce and six dinner rolls. The small Ravioli Deal is $17.50, and comes with 14 ravioli with meat sauce and three rolls. A two-day advance order is needed for these special take out deals.

In business since the early 1900s, Gino's is truly a tradition and has become a Hancock landmark, situated at the end of downtown, where Hancock Street meets M-203. Neher enjoys keeping the traditions alive that make Gino's so special.

Gino's was founded on the principles of great service, excellent cuisine and fair price. Today, after more than three quarters of a century, Gino's holds true to these same principles.

"We make everything fresh right here. A lot of places can't say that anymore," Neher said.

Most famous is Gino's famous spaghetti sauce. This recipe dates way back and is "baked" in Gino's ovens. Try a generous portion of pasta covered in this incredible meat sauce, or try Gino's home-made meat raviolis.

"These are our pride and joy," Neher said of the raviolis. "We make our own meat filling and wrap it in fresh dough." Speaking of dough, Gino's pizza is worthy of a mention here, as it too is made with hand- made fresh dough every day.

"Even the Italian sausage is made here and baked in our oven," Neher said.

The sauce is prepared in-house too. At Gino's even the steaks and chops are in-house cut and then vacuum packed to maintain maximum freshness. Their burgers are made fresh daily, not frozen.

In addition to amazing Italian food, Gino's serves a variety of dinners and plate lunches. Steaks, chops, barbecue ribs, chicken, lake trout, and deep friend shrimp are offered as well as an large assortment of hot and cold sandwiches.

Every Friday and Saturday and Sunday night receive a complimentary soup and salad bar with any dinner purchase. The salad bar is also available for individual purchase on the weekends.

Gino's large dining room is non-smoking and has a beautiful fireplace to warm you this winter. For those who prefer to sit in a smoking section, Gino's has booths and tables in their cocktail lounge where you can enjoy your favorite beer, wine, cocktail, either with your meal, or while relaxing at the bar.

Gino's is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinner is served nightly at 4 p.m. Call ahead for reservations, 482-3020, especially for larger parties. Gino's is available to host luncheons, parties, weddings and catered events.

Editor's note: This feature is part of a paid advertising package purchased by Gino's Italian Restaurant of Hancock. Businesses interested in being featured on the Business page may call Yvonne Robillard at 483-2220.